Program Director, Hoola Aina (Conservation Education and Engagement)

Job Posting Title

Program Director, Hoola Aina (Conservation Education and Engagement)

Employee Type

Regular

Recruiting Start Date

12-11-2024

Job Exempt?

Yes

Recruiting End Date

01-09-2025

Aloha mai!  Mahalo for your interest in Kamehameha Schools.  If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills and talents and grow in your profession, while serving and strengthening our Native Hawaiian community, we would love to have you join our ʻohana!

Job Summary

The Program Director, Hoʻōla ʻĀina (Conservation Education and Engagement) will lead efforts to foster a deep connection to ʻāina (land) and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards conservation and restoration among students, educators, and the community.  This role will drive the development and implementation of engaging, ʻāina-based learning experiences that inspire active participation in environmental stewardship and the restoration of native species and ecosystems.  Supports educators year-round by providing curriculum resources, training, and guidance to integrate conservation and restoration concepts into their teaching, with a strong emphasis on aligning with the E Ola! Learner Outcomes and delivered through Hawaiian Culture-Based Education.

This role will advance KS Maui’s place-based learning approach through ʻāina-based experiences, helping to bridge classroom learning with real-world challenges and community efforts to protect native ecosystems.  By facilitating project-based and place-based learning, the Program Director will help students develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they study, while strengthening their connections to their ʻohana, community, and the natural world.

Essential Responsibilities
 

Program Design and Development

• Plan and implement programs that enhance conservation, restoration, and ʻāina-based learning through real-world problem-solving during both the school year and summer/intersession sessions.  This includes coordinating with partners, developing budgets, and monitoring/reporting on progress.

• Develop and conduct teacher training sessions, create spiraling, age-appropriate curriculum aligned with E Ola! Learner Outcomes for all age groups and identify opportunities in the K-12 curriculum to integrate conservation concepts.

• Coordinate and implement activities such as seminars, teacher trainings, and public events related to KS Maui’s conservation initiatives.

• Lead the development of land use plans for various programs and coordinate access and instruction on various ʻāina sites across Maui in partnership with key stakeholders.

Teaching and Facilitation

• Support and encourage conservation and restoration efforts by faculty, staff, and students, fostering new ideas and identifying resources to enhance existing programs.

• Design and assess curriculum and programs, mentor K-12 educators, and develop professional development opportunities.

Research and Innovation

• Research and acquire teaching materials and resources for K-12 teachers, monitor program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.

• Lead strategic exploration of new program areas, ensuring best practices, safety, and quality in all initiatives.

• Collaborate with teachers, schools, and community groups, with a passion for conservation, restoration, and sustainability.

Program Operations and Administration

• Coordinate field study sessions, manage ʻĀina-Based Learning Centers, and ensure alignment with campus conservation efforts.

• Increase student and community participation in conservation initiatives and communicate program activities to leadership, teachers, and parents.

• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and staff, manage performance reviews, and handle administrative duties such as budgeting, reporting, and maintaining permits.

• Collaborate with the key strategic partners to secure funding for conservation education initiatives, while striving to further KS’ mission and values.

• Engagement with land tenants to ensure collaborative access to ʻĀina Pauahi.

• Provide excellent service and maintain positive relationships with ʻĀina Pauahi, community partners and contacts, while adhering to safety protocols and confidentiality standards.

Position Requirements
 

Minimum Qualifications - An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the r